International Inheritance and Estate Documents
When an estate involves property or heirs in another country, foreign courts and banks need U.S. probate and vital records they can verify.
Apostille or legalization supplies that verification. We review the court and vital records involved and handle authentication for the estate file.
Why this comes up for people in your position
Estate matters usually combine two record types: court documents such as letters testamentary, and vital records such as a death certificate. Each is prepared and certified differently before it can be authenticated.
Foreign banks and land registries are often strict here because releasing assets is irreversible. They may want recently issued certified copies rather than the originals you received when the estate opened.
Requirements come from the foreign court, bank, or notary administering the asset. Ask them what they need in writing, and note that we assist with document preparation and authentication, not with legal advice on the estate itself.
Exact document requirements are determined by the foreign authority, consulate, or organization receiving your paperwork, and they vary by country, purpose, and document. Always confirm their written list before ordering or authenticating anything.
Documents that may be requested
This is not a required checklist — it is a list of items people in this situation are commonly asked for.
Certified state-issued copy.
Court-certified copy from the register of wills.
Court-certified copies for foreign courts.
Proves an heir's relationship.
Establishes a surviving spouse's claim.
Lets a local attorney act for the estate.
How the process works
- 1Tell us what you're trying to accomplish
Share the destination country, the purpose of the document, and your deadline. That context drives every other decision.
- 2We review your document situation
We look at what you have, who issued it, and whether a certified copy, notarization, or replacement is needed first.
- 3We determine the appropriate authentication route
State apostille, federal authentication, or embassy legalization — the route depends on the issuing office and the destination country.
- 4Your documents are submitted and returned
We prepare and submit the package, track it, and return your documents by mail, courier, or local hand delivery.
Mobile Notary Philadelphia assists with review, notarization, preparation, and submission. The apostille or authentication certificate itself is issued by the appropriate government authority, not by our office.
Where was your document issued?
The route depends on which office issued the document. State-issued records go to that state, and federally issued records are authenticated at the federal level. If your documents came from more than one place, they travel separate paths.
Records issued in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia County vital records.
Records issued in New Jersey, including South Jersey counties.
Documents issued by U.S. federal agencies.
The FBI Identity History Summary route.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting the executor's photocopy instead of a court-certified copy
- Using a death certificate issued years earlier when a recent copy is required
- Overlooking heirs' own vital records in the relationship chain
- Sending court records to a vital records office or vice versa
- Assuming one authenticated set will satisfy both a bank and a land registry
Services that may help
International Estates — FAQ
Not Sure Where to Start?
Tell us what document you have, where it was issued, the destination country, what the document will be used for, and your deadline. We'll explain the next step.